Laurence "Pete" Manke's Obituary
Laurence “Pete” Manke, age 79, of Palm Harbor, FL (formerly of Sioux Falls, SD) passed away on November 29, 2022 at Mease Countryside Hospital in Safety Harbor, FL.
Pete was born on October 22, 1943 in Jackson, MI to Llyod and Amelia Manke. Pete married Helen (Soukup) in Colorado in 1972. The couple moved to Germany and later to Sioux Falls, SD in 1976.
Pete enrolled in the US Army Reserves at the age of 18 where he earned his GED. Pete was an active service member where he served Vietnam, Desert Storm. He retired from the US Army Reserves after 30 years of service with a E8 Rank.
While in Sioux Falls from 1976 – 2005, Pete worked at Kolman – Athey, McKennan Hospital, and retired from Soukup Construction.
Pete and Helen then moved to Florida in 2005, where he enjoyed watching his grandsons play sports. He enjoyed spending time at the horse races and playing cards at the Senior Center in Palm Harbor.
Pete is survived by his, daughters Theresa (Arthur) Harriel of Oldsmar, FL, Brenda (JD) Christolin of Vernon, NJ, and Gloria Pergl of Michigan, grandsons Nathan and Jayden Harriel and Jeffrey Pergl and granddaughters Chivon and Gia Christolin and Amber Stanton, his sister Phyllis Owen of Michigan and his brother Terry Manke of Alabama.
Pete was preceded in death by his wife Helen; his parents; sisters, Dorothy Manke and Carol Vogel; brothers, Lloyd Manke, George Manke and Frank Manke.
A celebration of life and Military burial will be held in Florida at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Sioux Falls Cares where Pete spent many years as a volunteer, even flying home from Florida to help. CLICK HERE for the Sioux Falls Cares Donation Site.
If you'd like to send a card, note, or memory, please mail them to 1805 Greenwood Drive, Oldsmar, FL 34677.
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